Adult Dogs for Adoption in San Rafael, CA: 30 Grown-Up Dogs Looking for a Home

Sniffari Enthusiast: Milton loves investigating all the fascinating smells around him. He pulls moderately on leash and is working on his walking manners, so he’ll appreciate a little patience and continued practice as he learns to stroll more politely.
Scritch-Seeking Sweetheart: Milton may come over and back his adorable butt right up for some scratches when his person sits near him! He clearly appreciates affection and knows how to make a polite request for attention.
A Clever, Well-Mannered Cookie: Milton knows “sit” and takes treats gently. Milton may look at other dogs during walks, but he’s easily redirected with treats and kissy noises.

Milton would do best with appropriately matched dogs or as a solo dog with well-matched canine friends.

Sniffari Specialist: Skipper loves exploring the yard and investigating all the fascinating smells along the way. He may pull excitedly on leash, but his size makes him very manageable.
A Clever Cookie: Skipper knows how to sit and shake for a treat! He also follows treat lures for “paws up,” making training a fun way to build your bond and keep his mind engaged.
A Certified Lovebug: Skipper leans into pets with a wagging tail and may nudge your hand when you stop, reminding you when he’d like a little more affection!
Learning to Navigate Dog Greetings: Skipper may occasionally pull toward or bark at other dogs. With positive guidance, and continued practice, he’s working on polishing his social skills.

Skipper would do best with appropriately matched dogs or as a solo dog with well-matched canine friends.

Deku can be anxious in the shelter and is a strong puller on leash, especially when he sees other dogs. He has shown the ability to disengage and move on during dog introductions, and he may do well with a compatible canine friend after thoughtful introductions. He could also enjoy being the only dog in the home, with opportunities to socialize with suitable dog friends.

Deku would benefit from a family ready to help him build confidence and practice leash skills using patience and positive reinforcement. He has also received treatment for an ear infection and recently had a skin mass removed, so his adopter should review his medical disclosures and follow up with their veterinarian. If you’re looking for a fun, affectionate companion and are ready to help a big guy settle into his next chapter, Deku would love to meet you!

iscuit is such a lover. She takes a little to warm up but once she bonds she bonds quickly and shows it- she loves deeply with wiggles to match. Her potty training is going great' she learned quickly how to use the doggy door. She loves her morning walk but also is very content to do a quick potty and snuggle. She’s gotten along well with the resident dog, sometimes being a bit bossy, but at others wanting to play. She’s easy but prefers avoiding the big dogs and is choosy of small dogs. She’s very easy to handle and allows you to dress her up in cozy sweaters. She’s working on basic commands and just learned sit! When left alone it appears she’s done well- by herself and left with our resident dog. She has also shown a recent interest in toys and loves her lamb chop. She really is such a little love and someone will be very lucky to have her in their forever family.

Grateful Dogs Rescue incurs substantial veterinary and other expenses in rescuing our dogs. In order to recoup some of these costs, we request a tax-deductible donation for each adoption. The suggested donation for Biscuit is $300.

If you are interested in adopting Biscuit, please complete our online adoption application at
https://www.gratefuldogsrescue.org/adoption-process/

. One of our volunteers will get back to you. Adoptions are local, confined to the SF Bay Area.

See our other available dogs at
https://www.gratefuldogsrescue.org/available-dogs/

Silas enjoys exploring at his own pace and has been calm and non-reactive around other dogs. During introductions, he mostly did his own thing, occasionally stopping to sniff his canine companions. He may do well with a compatible dog friend or as a solo pup with opportunities to socialize.

Silas is still getting comfortable with the shelter environment, so he’ll benefit from a patient adopter who can give him time to settle in and help him build confidence. He can pull strongly on leash, so continued practice with positive reinforcement will help him develop good walking skills. If you’re willing to let a shy guy come out of his shell at his own pace, Silas could be a rewarding companion!

Periwinkle also has a playful side. During introductions, he enjoyed interacting and playing with other dogs, using his paws to invite them into the fun. He may enjoy a well-matched canine companion or be happy as your one-and-only with opportunities to make dog friends.

As a young dog, Periwinkle is still learning his manners and can get excited about greeting people by putting his paws up on them. He'll benefit from a patient adopter who can help him build confidence, practice leash skills, and learn new things through positive reinforcement. If you're looking for an affectionate sidekick who wants to be close to his favorite people, Periwinkle could be your guy!

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Odin is still working on his leash skills and can pull quite hard, so he’ll benefit from patient, reward-based training. He’s currently underweight, and while a shelter vet found no immediate medical cause, he’ll need a follow-up health exam after adoption. If you’re looking for an affectionate companion to explore the world with, Odin could be your guy!

Ready, Set, Play! Jetty loves running around in the yard and playing fetch. She may need a little convincing to return the ball, but she’s happy to keep the fun going!
Smart Cookie: She sits for treats, and even offered her paw without being asked! She’s easy walk at the shelter, and reported to be crate trained.
Professional Cuddle Bug: Jetty leans in for extra pets and rubs, and she may roll onto her back to invite belly rubs.
Dog social: In playgroups, Jetty enjoys high-speed chase games and wrestling with compatible canine friends.

Jetty will be a wonderful match for an active home ready to channel her youthful energy into play, training, and affection. She’ll do best with appropriately matched dogs or as a solo dog with well-matched canine friends.

Smart & Talented: Samson knows “sit,” “down,” and “paw,” and can put his paws on patio furniture on cue. He may even know “crawl”! He pulls mildly on leash, takes treats gently and is eager to learn.
Playful & Curious: He enjoys sniffing and exploring the yard, then gallops back when called. He loves engaging with his person and may hop onto a nearby lap for a closer connection.
Connected Companion: Samson checks in frequently and often stays close to his handler, especially when the world feels busy.
Dog Social: Samson plays well with other dogs in playgroup. He may pull mildly or whine softly when he spots a dog he wants to greet

Samson would do best with appropriately matched dogs or as a solo dog with well-matched canine friends.

Caspian could be a good match for a home with a well-suited canine companion or as a solo dog with opportunities to make dog friends. With positive reinforcement and continued guidance, he’ll be ready to build a great life with his new family!

Jimothy seems a little frightened of men and small children. Children in the home should be at least tweens, and men should be patient.

Grateful Dogs Rescue incurs substantial veterinary and other expenses in rescuing our dogs. In order to recoup some of these costs, we request a tax-deductible donation for each adoption. The suggested donation for Jimothy is $300.

If you are interested in adopting Jimothy, please complete our online adoption application at
https://www.gratefuldogsrescue.org/adoption-process/

. One of our volunteers will get back to you. Adoptions are local, confined to the SF Bay Area.

See our other available dogs at
https://www.gratefuldogsrescue.org/available-dogs/

Adventure Buddy: Tanner enjoys sniffing and running around the yard. He pulls excitedly at times, but a shorter leash and gentle redirection help keep his walks manageable.
Smart & Learning: He knows “sit” and “touch” and is practicing “down” and “paw.” He sometimes takes treats gently but can get bouncy and mouthy with puppy excitement.
Loving Lapdog: Tanner adores affection. Once settled, Tanner happily leans into pets, gives kisses, and tries to climb into your lap.
Outing Superstar: Tanner showed lots of interest in greeting new people, calmly passed other dogs, and ignored birds. Best of all, he settled down quietly later at a brewery without barking or whining!

Tanner would do best with appropriately matched dogs or as a solo dog with well-matched canine friends.

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Taffy is an easy going companion just looking for a loving home that will help her continue on her health journey. She gets along with dogs, kids, and we would suspect cats also given her kind nature.

Grateful Dogs Rescue incurs substantial veterinary and other expenses in rescuing our dogs. In order to recoup some of these costs, we request a tax-deductible donation for each adoption. The suggested donation for Taffy is $300.

If you are interested in adopting Taffy, please complete our online adoption application at
https://www.gratefuldogsrescue.org/adoption-process/

. One of our volunteers will get back to you. Adoptions are local, confined to the SF Bay Area.

See our other available dogs at
https://www.gratefuldogsrescue.org/available-dogs/

Playtime Enthusiast: Kaden loves chasing balls, playing fetch, and tugging on rope toys. He usually releases the ball when he sees another one coming, eager to keep the fetch game going!
Smart Cookie: Kaden knows “sit” and “stay,” takes treats very gently, and enjoys treat-foraging games that put his nose to work.
Affectionate Companion: He enjoys pets, especially chest and butt scratches. He can get a little bouncy when excited, but that playful enthusiasm is part of his charm.
Outdoor Explorer: Kaden is working on his leash manners and loves having room to sprint and play. He mostly ignores other dogs while out and about but would run towards a squirrel. He was reported to give a brief howl when a fire truck passed by!

Kaden would do best with appropriately matched dogs or as a solo dog with well-matched canine friends.

Lucy is a quiet, gentle dog who enjoys a nice quiet home; she's hanging with two other chihuahuas and does great with them. Lucy did meet some cats and no one seemed to care so yes, we'd say she can live with cats! She enjoys spending long periods in the garden and relaxing in the sun. Indoors, she likes laps, soft sofas, and rearranging throw pillows.

She is potty trained, uses a doggy door, and will use a potty pad at night. Lucy walks well on leash and enjoys slow neighborhood strolls. She may initially appear aloof for a few minutes, but she warms up quickly and accepts gentle affection. She rides well in the car.

Lucy is spayed, microchipped, vaccinated, and recently had a wellness exam. Based on her condition, her age estimate was revised from 10 years to 7–8 years old. She also had a major dental procedure and is now fully ready for adoption.

A yard not required but sunspots a must :)

Grateful Dogs Rescue incurs substantial veterinary and other expenses in rescuing our dogs. In order to recoup some of these costs, we request a tax-deductible donation for each adoption. The suggested donation for Lucy is $300.

If you are interested in adopting Lucy, please complete our online adoption application at
https://www.gratefuldogsrescue.org/adoption-process/

. One of our volunteers will get back to you. Adoptions are local, confined to the SF Bay Area.

See our other available dogs at
https://www.gratefuldogsrescue.org/available-dogs/

Quinn deserves someone willing to look beyond his rough beginnings and champion a little dog who needs extra understanding, patience, and care.

Quinn requires regular grooming to maintain his health and comfort and may need sedation for grooming. Adopters should be prepared for the additional time, care, and expense involved.

Quinn is available for adoption by appointment only

Please submit an adoption questionnaire to meet him.

Junior walks well on leash in quiet areas and warms up to treats and affection when given time and space. He loves cuddling, playing fetch, and hiding his toys under blankets. He knows “sit” and “down” and is very treat-motivated. He participates in playgroups with select dogs, though his compatibility with other dogs in a home would need careful assessment. Regular grooming is essential for his health and comfort.

Could you offer Junior the calm, structured home he needs

Please submit an
adoption questionnaire
to meet him.

A serious snugglebug: Bluey instantly approaches when his person kneels down and happily snuggles in for pets and affection. Once the affection starts, he leans in closer, wiggling his whole body and tail. He may even offer some sweet face kisses and an unexpected ear tickle!
Playful and engaging: Bluey loves toy play and readily drops his toys, both spontaneously and in exchange for treats. He also enjoys treat-finding games and exploring a snuffle mat.
Food motivated and gentle: Bluey takes treats gently and happily engages in “find it” games, although he usually has little interest in working on verbal cues.
Calm around other dogs: Bluey shows curious interest in nearby dogs but remains calm and does not engage with his barking neighbors. He would do best with appropriately matched dogs or as a solo dog with well-matched canine friends.

Follow him in foster with @foster_friends_of_baygull on Instagram, and click here to learn how to adopt and submit your adoption questionnaire.

Rocky would be a great farm, ranch, or barn dog (watch). Jack Russells are famous for enjoying livestock. Got a horse? Rocky will help out around the barn or pasture!

He also thrives indoors on ear scritches and neck rubs (watch),

chilling while you work, or going out for walks in your favorite city. He is cheerful, fearless, and well trained on leash.

He is in love with his little green tennis ball & can play fetch (watch) for ... well ... a long time

He will entertain himself with games he makes up himself. Like dropping his ball into a shoe (watch) to see if he can get it back.

He will bark angrily at windshield wipers (watch) and UPS trucks, but nibble his "Mr. Lamb" toy with the tenderness of a new father.

Rocky likes both men and women, as long as they are active and confident.

Rocky

walks beautifully on a leash but does not know basic commands like "sit" or "stay'. That said, he is very treat-motivated and young enough to still learn new tricks.

Grateful Dogs Rescue incurs substantial veterinary and other expenses in rescuing our dogs. In order to recoup some of these costs, we request a tax-deductible donation for each adoption. The suggested donation for Rocky is $300.

If you are interested in adopting Rocky, please complete our online adoption application at
https://www.gratefuldogsrescue.org/adoption-process/

. One of our volunteers will get back to you. Adoptions are local, confined to the SF Bay Area.

See our other available dogs at
https://www.gratefuldogsrescue.org/available-dogs/

People-Loving Explorer: Azabache enjoys staying close to her people and loves running and sniffing around the yard, bringing happy energy wherever she goes.
Smart & Talented: She knows “sit” and “touch,” has excellent barkour skills on outdoor furniture, and is working on catching treats midair. She takes treats gently from an open palm, though excitement can occasionally make her a little teethy.
Playful and Fun: Azabache loves chasing and playing with tossed toys, bringing them closer to her person, and eventually dropping them when asked.
Dog Social: She enjoys a good game of chase with other dogs in playgroup and brings an enthusiastic, playful spirit to her canine friendships.

Azabache would do best with appropriately matched dogs or as a solo dog with well-matched canine friends.

Playful and independent: Roddy enjoys entertaining himself, whether he’s chasing and slapping around a ball or finding a stuffy to chew or toss around.
Smart and highly trainable: Roddy is very food motivated and enjoys treat-based activities like practicing “sit,” “down,” “touch,” “crawl,” and playing “find it” games.
Affectionate on his terms: Roddy is somewhat independent and doesn’t always seek out interaction, but he accepts pets and affection and appears to enjoy them when offered.
Easy to redirect: Roddy can be mildly jumpy and excitable, but he’s easily redirected with treats, games, and engagement with his person.
Working on leash skills: Roddy may bark and pull toward other dogs while on leash, but he remains manageable and is not difficult to be redirected.

Roddy will do best with appropriately matched dogs or as a solo dog with well-matched canine friends.

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People-focused and affectionate: Dan likes to stay close to his person and will often come right over and automatically sit at their feet for attention. If the pets stop, he may politely nudge his person a few times to let them know he’d happily like more.
Smart and treat motivated: Dan responds very well to “sit” and enjoys “find it” games. He’s especially fond of cheese and may happily follow his person around in hopes of getting another tasty treat.
Mellow with a playful side: Dan has an overall mellow demeanor, but he can get a little bouncy when he becomes especially excited.
Manageable on leash: Dan pulls a bit on leash but is very manageable.

Dan will do best with appropriately matched dogs or as a solo dog with well-matched canine friends.

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Griffin is sometimes a little shy when first meeting new people, but he quickly blossoms into a sweet, friendly and wiggly pup. Especially if you’ve got some treats to share! He will proudly show off his ‘sit’ if it means getting a treat, and his ‘look’, ‘leave it,’ and ‘wait’ are all improving! He’s a petite 52 pounds and has been friendly with other dogs.

Follow his foster adventures with @adopt.from.oas on Instagram! If you can give Griffin the loving home that he deserves, click here to learn how to adopt and submit your adoption questionnaire.

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A people-loving sweetheart: Pavlova loves attention and will happily jump onto outdoor furniture to get closer to her person. She’s a big leaner, enjoys butt scratches, and may even try to climb into your lap for extra cuddles.
Happy and playful: Pavlova is always cheerful and may be a little bouncy when excited, especially when greeting people.
Smart and treat motivated: She responds to “sit,” takes treats gently, and can even catch them mid-air!
Calm around other dogs: Pavlova calmly passes barking dogs nearby and generally ignores her noisy neighbors.
Likely housetrained: She prefers to go outside to do her business and keeps her kennel quite clean.

Pavlova is working on her leash manners in the shelter but has shown great leash walking manners on a recent field trip. She would do best with appropriately matched dogs or as a solo dog with appropriate dog friends.

Sweet and affectionate: Orville approaches his person when they lower down to his level, then happily leans in for pets and affection. He may even offer a few face kisses while enjoying attention.
Smart and treat motivated: Orville takes treats very gently and shows off his nice “sit” and “down”. He loves cheese and may get a little bouncy when excited, but he’s easily redirected.
Enjoys exploring: Orville loves a good sniffari and taking time to investigate his surroundings.
Water enthusiast: One of his favorite activities is playing with water spraying from the hose—he’s always ready for some backyard fun!

Orville is continuing to work on his leash manners and would do best with appropriately matched dogs or as a solo dog with appropriate dog friends.